Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)

Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) is a motor neuron disease, which means that it lies on the same spectrum as ALS. It is a very rare disease state that progresses slower than ALS, but is still profoundly debilitating. Patients with PLS will experience weakness, typically starting in the legs, as well as symptoms such as painful spasticity, cramps and spasms, which can often be disabling.

There is currently no cure for PLS and treatment is mainly symptomatic and focused on improving quality of life with medications and physical therapies. However, in the past decade, trials involving potential treatments are occurring at a rapid pace in neurodegenerative disease. Here at Synapticure, we strive to stay at the forefront of any new developments as they arise, so that we can bring that knowledge to you and guide you on any new steps in your journey.

PLS may be underdiagnosed early in the disease because it can often present like other diseases such as: ALS, hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) syndromes or multiple sclerosis (MS).  Our Synapticure neurologists will make sure that you have all of the proper testing done and in place so that your diagnosis is an accurate one. That may include a comprehensive EMG, MRI of the brain and spine, a spinal tap, and genetic testing. This comprehensive testing ensures that PLS is the correct diagnosis and that these other diseases have been ruled out, as their treatments are very different.  

The enrollment process for PLS patients who wish to join Synapticure is the same as it is for ALS patients. Click here to get started with a member of our care team!